A work of elegance, this French center bowl floor stand incorporates cobalt glass and gilt bronze

Key Features

Large pieces of cobalt glass, especially those so beautifully crafted, are extremely rare

Circa 1880

Stand: 23 1/2" wide x 34 3/4" high; Bowl: 20 1/2" diameter

Item Details

Period:
19th Century

Origin:
France

This magnificent French Neoclassical center bowl matches the deep blue of cobalt glass with the brilliance of gilt bronze. Standing almost three feet tall and set upon tripod paw feet, the stand features a lovely trio of caryatids bearing the weight of the large fluted glass bowl between them. Known to cultures from Pompeii to China since 2700 B.C.E., cobalt glass is one of the world's most collectible items. Although smaller items are more readily available, large items such as this are extremely rare. Pieces combining the artistry of gilt bronze are especially scarce and highly prized.

Beginning in the mid-1700s, European makers have satisfied an increasing demand for cobalt glass, most remarkably in Bristol, England, home of more that 60 cobalt glass houses by 1780. In fact, by 1851, Bristol glassmakers had become so well known, that they were invited by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert to exhibit their skill at the Great Exhibition of 1851. Elsewhere on the European continent, makers reached their own artistic heights with this compelling material, producing works of sheer brilliance such as this remarkable center bowl.